Rockdale hires code enforcement manager, sets cleanup day

Rockdale County has hired a code enforcement manager, making good on Chairman Oz Nesbitt’s promise to put more resources into enforcing compliance of the county’s codes and cracking down on blight and nuisances in Rockdale.

The county has hired Troy A. Smith, who has more than 20 years of experience in code enforcement. Smith, who earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Atlanta’s Morris Brown College, previously worked five years for the city of Atlanta, where he was responsible for ensuring compliance with the city’s codes. Smith also worked for the San Mateo County, California government, where he redesigned the code enforcement program. Smith also spent nine years as the chief code enforcement officer for Fulton County. Rockdale Chief of Staff Corey Hambrick said Smith supervised about 25 inspectors in enforcement, including environmental health, while at Fulton County.

“He spent five years with the city of Atlanta code enforcement section as a supervisor,” Hambrick said. “There he was a supervisor and managing officer of the code enforcement division, overseeing the day-to-day operations that provide inspection of properties to ensure their compliance with the city’s codes.

Hambrick said Smith’s first day on the job was May 24.

Smith told the Board of Commissioners at its May 24 meeting that he is looking forward to his new role.

“I’m excited about being here to see what I can do,” Smith said.

Nesbitt said violators should take heed: If they don’t want to be cited for code violations, they need to clean up their properties.

“Don’t call our office screaming and crying when you get a citation, because we’re telling you they’re coming. If you have junk vehicles in your yard and you’re violating an ordinance, you’re going to meet Mr. Smith and his team. If you have overgrown grass and blight and you’re in violation of code, you’re going to meet Mr. Smith. So I’m just letting you know.”

Smith is spearheading a countywide cleanup day on June 10, 7 to 11 a.m. Free T-shirts and brunch will be provided to volunteers while available. Check-in and registration will be held at the Rockdale County Courthouse. For more information and advance registration, call 770-278-7052.